Monthly Archives: March 2014

How do we understand Krishna’s statement to Arjuna that Karna is a better archer than him?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

From Sagar Choksi Hare Krishna Prabhuji, pamho. Thank you very much for these enlightening series of articles on ‘The Son of the Sun’. I understand that Karna was not equal to Arjuna in terms of virtue and righteousness but can we so confidently claim from the Mahabharata that Karna did not have the skills of […]

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“BBT Only” Day: March 14
→ Jayadvaita Swami

A letter from the BBT chairman: In cooperation with the ISKCON GBC, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is marking March 14 as the first annual “BBT Only” Day. This is a day to remember the following important instructions from Srila Prabhupada: He formed the BBT to serve as his exclusive publisher. He wanted all his books […]

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custom made
→ everyday gita

Verse 4.32: All these different types of sacrifice are approved by the Vedas, and all of them are born of different types of work. Knowing them as such, you will become liberated.

Over the past several verses, the Gita has outlined the various ways in which an individual can perform sacrifice. Whether it be by selectively exposing oneself to certain sound vibrations, not giving into every whim and fancy of the mind’s demands, or practicing breath control, these are just some of the ways one can practice sacrifice.

What is amazing about the different options presented is that fact that:

Different types of sacrifice, as discussed above, are mentioned in the Vedas to suit the different types of worker…these sacrifices are so arranged that one can work either with the body, with the mind or with the intelligence. (Bg. 4.32 purport)

I love this primarily because it means there’s something for everyone. This aspect of personalizing and custom-tailoring any practice is so attractive because it takes into account the fact that every living entity, what to speak of every person, is unique and special.

That’s what bhakti is all about – addressing the fundamentals that unite all of us in a very personal way. In this case, the various options outlined for performing sacrifice speaks to the fundamental truth that we are all individuals. What works for someone else may not necessarily work for us. This is something we’ve all had first hand experience of!

I first discovered this when I was going to school. The way in which the majority of school systems are set up are targeted to a certain type of individual – one that can copy down endless notes and excel when placed in exam environments. But what about those who learn visually? Or those who learn tactically? Or those who cannot handle exam situations? The list can go on and on. Thankfully educators are understanding this more and more and the hope is that in the future there will be programs to address this need.

Bhakti yoga has addressed and continues to address this need to craft a personalized program according to the nature and inclination of a person. It does so not only in the arena of sacrifice but in all the various components that serve to comprise the practice of being able to serve with love and gratitude.

It reminds me of a quote which I’ll end with today. Something that captures this essence and always fills me with a sense of hope and inspiration:

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario
A Stirring Inside
As winter begins its exit, dreams of outdoor opportunities open up.  Even a monk is no exception to this phenomenon.  After an hour or two of being occupied in a freshly painted office, it was necessary to burst out of our ashram building and let air do its magic.  I almost sprinted on Yonge Street with enthusiasm excited about the spring in the air. 
One of my students had earlier on reported seeing one of those bright red male cardinals (the bird and nothing to do with the Vatican).  This was a sure sign of spring.  As I walked along, one street guitarist between songs expressed his joy, “It’s a great day to be alive!”  Couldn’t agree more. 
In the Yorkville area a woman saw me and simply said, “Hello.”  She acted on spontaneity when she noticed I was doing my work in progress, chanting softly on my meditative beads.  She said, “Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt.”
“No, it’s quite alright, you did nothing wrong.  Enjoy this day.”
“I am.” 
When I returned to the ashram and made my way down the corridor to the office of fresh paint, I glanced at a copy of one of those summer adventure ‘zines’ called “Wilderness Tours” left in the desk tray.  The overall message of the publication was ringing out, “Get outside!”  The publications highlights more boating adventure as opposed to walking, but I like some of the quotes used regarding life and nature and how to get the most out of them. 
From Rich Ridgeway, “Life is either a daring pursuit or nothing at all.”  “The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.”
From comedian Danny Kaye, “Life is a blank canvass, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can.”
From Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, “Teach your children well… and feed them on your dreams.”
From Eleanor Roosevelt, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience of the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”
From William Butler Yeats, “I hear the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore… I hear it in the deep heart’s core.”
From Rudyard Kipling, “Something hidden.  Go and find it.  Go look behind the ranges.  Lost and waiting for you, go!”
When spring springs, urges to do more stir up inside.  Go out then and find yourself and find God. 
May the Source be with you!
7 KM

Harinam at Santa Rosa, Pasig and San Pablo, Philippines, with Giridhari Swami (Album 104 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

All Glories to the Harinam Sankirtan of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Harinam is the congregational street chanting of the holy names of Krishna or God, if anyone is interested in performing the Yuga Dharma Harinam Sankirtan, is cordially invited to join with us and assist in this effort to please His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. Your cooperation in any way will please the Lord as this was the desire of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to spread his name in every town and village.

Harinam Sankirtan ki!!! Jaya!!! Read more ›

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 03/13/14
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 03/13/14. Each week we highlight an earlier era of ISKCON New Vrindaban. This week’s challenge: In the photo, there are approximately 20 devotees whose faces are recognizable. How many can you identify? Extra Credit: What are the names of the elephant and her caretaker? Post your guesses on the “who, […]

Many questions, one answer!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 December 2013, Mayapur, India, Srimad Bhagavatam 5.9.3) There are many ‘how to’ questions in Krsna consciousness, “How to be humble? How to be determined. How to keep a balance? How to do all these things?’” The only answer to that is to become independently thoughtful; Krsna consciousness is never just about blind […]

A severed hand may appear like a hand but it has no Potency
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Because we do not know that there is a complete arrangement in nature for our maintenance, we make efforts to utilize the resources of nature to create a so-called complete life of sense enjoyment. Because the living entity cannot enjoy the life of the senses without being dovetailed with the Complete Whole, the misleading life […]

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